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Bone Marrow Transplants Save Lives

Western Springs resident Lee Wilson began feeling tired and noticing multiple bruises in 2002. She wasn't worried; she simply thought her symptoms were a result of her busy schedule and keeping track of her three children. When Lee visited her physician for a routine checkup, she expected a typical well-care visit. What she learned at her appointment was anything but typical. “My family practice physician felt that something was just not right,” Lee said. “She ordered lab tests, a computed tomography (CT) scan and a complete blood evaluation.” After test results showed an enlarged spleen and an abnormally high white blood cell count, Lee was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Helping Hands Lee's physician referred her to Patrick Stiff, MD, professor of oncology at Loyola and director of the division of hematology/oncology and director of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center.

Lee Wilson was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, but after receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant at Loyola University Health System, she is now healthy.

Dr. Stiff, along with an assigned “care team” of professionals ranging from nurses to a clinical psychologist, helped her with all aspects of her care including medical treatment, financial assistance and coping with the emotional stress of her diagnosis.

“When I was told I had leukemia, all I could think was that I wasn't going to live much longer,” Lee said. “Then I went to Loyola and met the members of my care team, and I began to feel better about my future. I felt that I was in good hands.”

Hard Choices

Lee's treatment began with a spleen-shrinking medication and a newly approved form of chemotherapy. She then was faced with a difficult decision: She could take daily medications to keep her cancer from reappearing once it was gone or consider a bone marrow transplant. Although a bone marrow transplant offers a great likelihood of a cure, it is a decision that requires collaboration with your doctor and family members.

“There are many requirements that determine an individual's candidacy for bone marrow transplantation,” Dr. Stiff said. “We have to ask ourselves if medications will work for the person's entire life, and if so, will the individual enjoy the highest possible quality of life? If not, we then begin the process of explaining the risks, benefits and potential lifestyle changes a recipient must go through following a transplant procedure.”

After thorough discussions with Dr. Stiff and her family, Lee made the decision to have a transplant. Once it was determined that she was a good candidate for the procedure, the search for a donor began — and soon ended with Lee's brother. Less than three months after her diagnosis, physicians took healthy bone marrow from Lee's brother and injected it into her bloodstream.

Gradually, the new bone marrow replaced all of the diseased marrow. She then began her journey toward recovery and back to health.

Life Goes On

The story does not end there. Lee's husband of 16 years, John, also can speak about Loyola's surgical capabilities. Four years after Lee's transplant, John was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Lee and John turned to Loyola for help once again. After undergoing a delicate neurosurgery procedure to remove the tumor, John is tumor-free and doing well.

Lee and John now are back to their normal routines. Lee works part-time as an analyst for a local investment banking firm and enjoys running as often as possible. A few years ago, after her transplant, she even participated in the Chicago Triathlon with 15 family members. Thinking back on the difficulties she faced, Lee is quick to credit the team at Loyola for the health she and her husband have enjoyed.

“I'm living proof that outstanding transplant care is available right here at Loyola,” Lee said. “I feel fabulous, and it is because of every person on my care team and the staff members who treated me with compassion and respect. I trust all of them whole-heartedly, and I would do anything for them. Loyola saved our family.”

To hear more inspiring patient stories, visit www.LoyolaMedicine.org/cancer and click on “Journey of Hope.” You can view the DVD online, download the brochure or request a printed copy. To make an appointment with a Loyola physician, call (888) LUHS-888.

A Team Approach to Patient Care

Because of the multifaceted needs of patients who will undergo bone marrow transplants, a multidisciplinary group of experts at Loyola University Health System is assigned to help each patient through the process. This “care team,” as it is known, consists of the following:

• Attending physician who oversees all aspects of the patient's care and determines the course of treatment
• Advanced practice nurses who have undergone formal training in the treatment of bone marrow transplant patients
• Program coordinators who monitor and manage the patient's entire transplant process, from required testing and hospital admission to home care referrals and discharge planning
• Clinical psychologist to assist patients and family members in the process of coping with the transplant process through stress management and relaxation training
• Pharmacists to assist with medication
• Financial counselors to take the reins of navigating insurance approval and coverage for patients
• Pastoral care for patients and family members when requested
• Research nurses, when appropriate, to help interested patients participate in clinical trials
• Nutritionists to assist with proper nutrition
• Social workers to answer questions concerning how a transplant will affect the patient's life and help in discharge planning

In addition, Loyola's Coleman Foundation for Image Renewal Center provides a wide range of services for patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Patients can renew their spirit from the outside in with services such as hair care, massage therapy, nail care and nutritional consultation.

In the event you or your loved ones require a bone marrow transplant, turn to Loyola, where a team of experienced, caring experts is ready to guide you through this potentially life-saving event and beyond.
Visit www.LoyolaMedicine.org/cancer for information about other cancer treatments we have available.